Jesus,
Jewish Theologian
Lesson
Six
Jewish
Theology in John
Again the word of the L-rd of hosts came, saying, Thus says the L-rd of
hosts: “I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous
for her.” Thus says the L-rd: “I will return to Zion, and dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the
L-rd of hosts, The Holy Mountain.”
Then the word of the L-rd of hosts came to me, saying, “Thus says the
L-rd of hosts: ‘The fast of the fourth month, the fast of the fifth, the fast
of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be joy and gladness and
cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
Thus says the L-rd of hosts: “In those days ten men from every language
of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with
you, for we have heard that G-d is with you.’”
Zech 8:1-3; 18-19; 23
Introduction
We
have been looking at the historical, and religious atmosphere in the First
Century, to better understand how Yeshua (Jesus) introduces
truly biblical theology. We continue with Yochanan (John).
In
Yochanan’s Gospel, Yeshua is presented as the
central Jewish figure of all history. He is the culmination and fulfillment
of Torah and Tenach (TNK). It is replete with
pictures of ritual Judaism. It is not as some have characterized it, “an
introduction to Christianity” – but rather a declaration of the
necessity of an understanding of biblical Judaism to understanding Jesus’
theology (the only true theology). The whole of the Jewish lectionary system
finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus. This is what the Gospel of John
seeks to show us.
The Temple
Connection
Haggai
2:15-23: The Temple is significant in Messianic prophecies. Rabbis believed
that the date, Kislev 25 was also important because of the connection to the
Temple and Messiah’s coming (the 3rd Temple’s completion will
mark the return of Messiah!) – the cornerstone of the 3rd
Temple is being dedicated TODAY (Tish b’Av 5761)
Kislev
25 is the date of the dedication of the Tabernacle and the the completion of
the 2nd Temple (Tish b’Av is the date that the 1st
and 2nd Temples were destroyed).
Kislev
25 is the date of first day of Hanukkah (Maccabees rededicate the 2nd
Temple).
In
2nd Maccabbees there is a declaration that Hanukkah is a second,
or delayed Feast of Tabernacles.
John
starts the Gospel with the incarnation of Jesus – with His conception.
Most likely (based on the timeline provided in Luke 1), Jesus was conceived
on Kislev 25 – the first day of Hanukkah (count 280 days, and you have the
Feast of Tabernacles – G-d came and “tabernacled among us.”
John
1: All the Jewish Holidays are hinted at; many Messianic titles (the Word,
Rabbi, Son of Man, King of Israel, Messiah).
John
1: Jesus is the “Light” – He is presented as the shamash
(servant) candle which lights the 8 candles of Hanukkah.
John
2: Jesus cleanses the Temple. Judah Maccabee cleansed the 2nd
Temple at Hanukkah.
John
2:19: “Destroy this Temple…” Jesus shows the connection between His
body and the Temple.
John
10:22-25: Jesus celebrates Hanukkah in the Temple.
Jesus
talks about His miracles bearing witness. The “Sheh'asah nissim” prayer
at Hanukkah is, “Blessed are o L-rd, Who performed miracles for us in days
of old at this season…”
Ez
34; John 10; John 21: G-d, the Good Shepherd - the haftorah reading
in the 1st Century was Ezekiel 34. Jesus uses this occasion to
show the connection to the Temple, the Messianic promises of Ez 34, and
Jesus’ relationship to Israel… the Good Shepherd. (note: “feed my
sheep” 3 times in John 21, and in Ez 34)
Summary
The
Gospel of John shows us how Jesus has come and tabernacled among us. It
shows the fulfillment of the promises of G-d to men like Abraham, Isaac, and
Israel.
Has
Jesus tabernacled with you? Do you know the presence of G-d’s glory in
your life? Jewish people in the 1st Century are examples of how
it is possible to have the “right theology” and yet still miss a life
experience with Messiah.